My name is Aliza. I’m the reservation host for both Chestnut and Corner Kitchen. I have been with W&S for 1+ years.
What’s the best meal you’ve had at Chestnut?
I have had a lot of wonderful meals since I have been at Corner Kitchen and Chestnut. One of my favorite meals was when they incorporated an Indian dish into the menu. I am not from India by family but I was born there. They made a Vindaloo featuring the region Goa. This just happened to be the region I was born in and made me feel quite at home. They did it justice!
What kitchen tool could you not live without?
There are many beautiful tools and appliances out there. Although, I really enjoy the TLC there is in foods that require your hands to shape your food. I enjoy being able to feel prepared to cook something wonderful be it on the beach or our beautiful mountains.
If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could have one food for the rest of my life it would be a seemingly never ending pot of my Moms version of a spicy lentil home style soup with a big pot of cous cous on the side. Probably some form of another carb somewhere.
What’s the worst meal you’ve ever had?
I haven’t had many horrible meals, but I would definitely say whatever they are feeding kids in the school system always comes back as my worst meals. I was lucky enough to have a Mom who loved cooking healthy foods.
What’s your favorite food movie?
My favorite food movie would have to be Julie & Julia. I feel like a lot of people feel that way. It was funny, instructional for the under-educated foodie, and had Meryl Streep.
What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently?
Recently, I was gifted a shelter that a baby tortoise was living in and I use that for my cat now.
What’s the last thing you watched on TV and why did you choose to watch it?
The last thing I watched on TV was Suits. It is an unconventional story of lawyers with quick and somewhat educated banter. I watched it because my boyfriend, Pearson, recommended it. Right after he recommended it to me, I saw an interview by Trevor Noah from one of the actors on the show.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I am very relaxed person outside of work. I enjoy the outdoor activities that living in the mountains offers, reading and writing of different kinds of genres, as well as electronic shows. My boyfriend of 6 years and I have started a business called Blue Ridge Canna. We sell wholesale CBD in home care products like bath bombs, castille soap, and other products.
Anything else you’d like to share about you?
I am an almost Asheville local. I have been living here since I was about 8. I love this town, it’s nature, the good people, and the food!
